Willow Ptarmigan, Denali National Park, Alaska – Image #2907

The Willow Ptarmigan is the official Alaska state bird, and one of my most favorite Alaska critters. In true Alaska style these birds hang out year round and don’t migrate south to avoid the harsh winter. The Willow Ptarmigan changes color from winter (all white) to summer (a dappled brown). Being a ground-dwelling bird it has feathers on its feet for warmth in winter. The feathers also give its feet a snowshoe effect, keeping the ptarmigan on top of the snow. I photographed this guy in late-September as it is transitioning between summer and winter plumage. The red wattle above the eye tells me this bird is a male. Ptarmigan have a crazy cackling/laughing call that is distinctively unique. Ptarmigan can be very approachable and provide hours of fun just hanging out – and for taking great pictures! Thank you for visiting. Camera: Nikon D800, Lens: 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom, Digital Capture, ISO 200 – Copyright Mark Kelley 2014